By LEONARD GRAY

EDGARD – When Garyville resident David Roy’s trial begins, the prosecution team will be able to play his videotaped confession to the April 17 slashing murders of his wife and three children to the jury.

Judge J. Sterling Snowdy recently ruled Roy’s confession was lawfully obtained. Roy’s defense attorney, Joseph Raspanti of Metairie, argued otherwise.

A trial date has not yet been set.

“This is one of the most difficult cases I’ve ever handled,” Raspanti said, who added he is experienced in capital cases, both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney.

Roy is charged with killing his wife, Melissa, 32; their daughter, Asher, 9; their son, Christopher, 2; and their daughter, Alyssa, 11 months.

The exact charges are one count of first-degree murder with intent to inflict great bodily harm, as regards his wife, and three counts of first-degree murder where the victims are under the age of 12, as regards his children.

Roy, according to his statement, killed his family around 5 a.m. and remained in the house with the bodies, until around 10 p.m. when he surrendered to authorities. He allegedly told detectives financial pressure and marital problems prompted him to kill his wife and his desire not to leave his children to anyone else prompted the killing of the children.

During an Aug. 21 hearing, Detective Walter Stevens said he was the first officer to interview Roy. After reading Roy his rights, Stevens, and later Capt. C.J. Destor interviewed Roy that night, and both testified as to his calm demeanor. The confession was both audio- and video-taped, and Raspanti said he feels sure the video will be shown to jurors.

Two court-appointed doctors have examined Roy and found him competent to stand trial and assist in his own defense. Raspanti, however, claims Roy has a mental disorder and entered a plea of innocent and innocent by reason of insanity. Raspanti said he is seeking to have his client examined by more specialized psychiatrists, experienced in dealing with such cases, to assist in the defense.